Player Of The Year 2003

Proudest night for Northern Ireland Hibbys

By NI Hibs Secretary Hibbyni

Northern Ireland Hibs has been in existance for three years - and by far the proudest off-pitch moment for the NI faithful came on May 3, 2003, at the Hibees Bounce Player of the Year awards.

There, a trophy (kindly sourced by Bartok of hibeesbounce.com) was presented to goalie and 100 percent gentleman Nick Colgan.

The Northern Ireland Hibbys were delighted that Nick seemed genuinely pleased with the trophy. We were then amazed when he spent time chatting with the lads(and lass) of NI Hibs.

(In fact, this friendly and much appreciated behaviour was seen at the start of the season 2002/2003 when Nick came into the stands at Parkhead to say hello after seeing Dublin Hibs banners!).

During the awards, which were brillaintly organised by the Hibeesbounce.com team, Nick thanked NI Hibs for the "award for best Irish player".

But, in a more serious tone, he thanked members very sincerely for the award and left a lump in the throat of a few of the NI Hibbys attending.

Perhaps it should to be pointed out that, for a young supporters' club with only a few members, being able to show appreciation to a player we admire was a real honour.

At the Saint Mary's Star of the Sea Club (aka the Stella Maris Club)in Sunny Leith Sur La Mer - (thanks, GordonSmith7) - Player of the Year Gary Smith and Young Player of the Year Derek Roirdan also very rightfully received awards.

Hibby legends Pat Stanton and Lawrie Reilly also attended the do and, like all the players from the present side, were delighted to chat with fans.

A cracking comedian, a lot of vodka and a great opportunity to chat with Bounce regulars followed.

Most of all, for us, the NI Hibs lads had a chance to salute an Irishman, Hibby and gentleman - Nick Colgan.

Oh, and a few of the boys had a chance to lose their shirt at the Stanley casino/late bar on the way home.

Now what could be better.....!

(With thanks to the Bounce lads)




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